biochemistry
chemistry & physics
Department of
Biochemistry
Chemistry & Physics
studying CHEMISTRY for
bioche
chemistry
MEDICAL PROFESSIONS
1
Table of Contents
Becoming a
doctor..........................................................................4
Becoming a
pharmacist........................................................ 11
Becoming a
dentist...................................................................... 16
Becoming a
optometrist. .................................................... 25
Becoming a
chiropractor.................................................... 20
Becoming a
physician assistant............................... 22
How to
ace an interview................................................ 27
Changing your career to
2
medicine. .................................... 28
We’re here for you!
Whatever your career dream is, we at the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, & Physics can help you
to achieve it! The rigorous curriculum of a Chemistry degree is a tremendous asset and excellent preparation
for medical professional school, whether pharmacy, medicine, optometry, chiropractic, dentistry, physician’s
assistant or any health professional. The emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking will serve you well
in any field but is especially applicable to those mentioned above.
Our faculty have impressive experience in innovative teaching methods, industry research and peer
leadership. The student body at UCM has often remarked with surprise at the continual availability and
“open-door” policy of our professors. They are here to help you succeed!!
Our student chapter of American Chemical Society is very active and annually presents posters and
lectures at the national level. Other pre-professional student organizations focus on medical careers and
introduce students to former graduates who have succeeded in their fields.
If you have any questions, schedule a campus visit and tour our departments. Meet our faculty and
current students. Talk to our graduates. We are sure that you will be impressed!
The Information contained within is for 2008. Frequent changes in testing and requirements
occur and first source information should be consulted annually by the interested student.
#417 W.C. Morris
Warrensburg, MO 64093
660.543.4948
chemphys@ucmo.edu
3
So, I think I want to be a doctor.
What should I do?
Deciding to become a physician is one
of the weightiest choices that you can ever
make. Not only do physicians go to school a
very long time, they also continue the care and
maintenance of many individuals throughout
their life. To commit to medicine is to commit to
a life of responsibility.
It is important not to choose this career path
for the wrong reasons. This career choice should
not be based on making a lot of easy money.
There are many jobs that would yield the same
income and the same level of prestige. The average
medical student is in debt at least $200,000 when
he/she finishes school. Add to this the staggering
cost of malpractice and overhead when setting up
a practice, and it is evident why many doctors are
burdened with intense debt.
4
Many doctors suffer from burnout about
five years into their career. They cite the constant
struggle with billing and Medicare/Medicaid,
endless forms and unrealistic expectations. There
are amazing numbers of physicians who would not
choose the same career if given the choice again.
Conduct a poll and ask all the people YOU know
that are physicians if they would make the same
choice if they were given the choice again. You
may be surprised by what they say.
If you have considered all the negatives
and still want to be a physician, read on! A degree
in Chemistry will help you achieve your goals!
We can help you plan your course to the exciting
field of health care. Stop by the Department of
Biochemistry, Chemistry & Physics on the campus
of UCM and we will get you started.
What are the first steps
that I need to take?
1. Take the classes that you need to before taking the MCAT, which stands for the Medical
College Admissions Test.
This is required for EVERY U.S. medical school. Classes that you will need to take are your
core Chemistry classes, including General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I
and II. Biology classes that are required include Biology I and Genetics. Physics I and
II are also a must. These are the bare minimums. Most premed students in chemistry
will minor in biology for complementary exposure to Ecology, A&P, Molecular and
Microbiology.
2. Commit very disciplined time to study for the MCAT.
Take the MCAT the summer of your junior year, preferably after all your core courses
are completed. The MCAT, which is described in-depth on the next page, is a
grueling test of endurance which requires a great deal of mental preparation.
TAKING THE MCAT TOO SOON IS DANGEROUS. It is expensive, looks bad on
your med school applications and is completely demoralizing.
3. Begin volunteering or working at a hospital or nursing home,or
become an EMT. These efforts prove to a committee that you are truly as passionate about
this field of study as you appear to be.
4.
Prepare a genuine, heartfelt, personal statement that reflects exactly why you
want to pursue a career in medicine.
Do not attempt to be someone that you are not. Be genuine and honest about your
interest in the field.
5. Get to know your employers and professors so that they can write a positive letter
of recommendation for you when asked.
Work hard in your jobs and your classes. It will pay off!!
6. Apply to medical schools the spring semester of your junior year if possible.
The cut-off date at most schools is October 1 for M.D. programs and February 1 for D.O.
programs. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT TO APPLY--schools often choose
early applicants first and may have slots filled before they see your application!
5
Tell me more about the MCAT! It sounds scary!!
The 2008 MCAT is a multiple-choice, computerized test, divided up into four sections. It takes about
five and a half hours to complete the test. You are given different amounts of time for each section. Each
section is timed and the timer continually runs in the bottom right of the screen to show how much time
is remaining. Each section is composed of about five or six different “story problems”. Each problem has a
description, consisting of about five paragraphs. The answers are not found within these paragraphs--they
require a great deal of extensive knowledge about the subject. There are also about 10 questions at the end
of each section that are totally noncontextual--random questions about biology or chemistry or physics in
general.
second section:
verbal reasoning
first section:
This section deals with inferences
chemistry & physics
and understanding what the author is
thinking and feeling. This non-formulaic The first thing that you should know is that
interpretation drives most science
there are no calculators allowed on the MCAT!
majors crazy! The topic is rarely about
This means that you that you have to train
science--instead it can be about history, your mind to solve simple problems (like
)
ethics, fashion or art.
in your head. Even though scratch paper is
provided, this can be a huge time-consuming
way to solve problems. Also, you will need
to memorize nearly all the formulas you
learned in College Physics I and II-any of them could pop up at
any time!!
third section:
essays
There are two topics given, and one-half hour is
fourth section:
allowed for each of them. The best way to approach
this is to take the first five minutes to write an outline
biology & organic
and then expound on the major points.
chemistry
Since the test is computer-based, there are the typical
cut and paste options but no spell-check. Previous
As a Chemistry major, the Organic
topics have included: “Travel is the best form
Chemistry questions won’t scare
of education. Write a supporting and
you as much as it they do most people!!
opposing viewpoint in your essay.”
Make sure that you have studied genetics,
It is important to make an outline
cell/molecular biology, and ecology, though.
first before beginning
This section is often considered the “easiest”,
to write!
that’s why it is placed at the very end-to test how you do when you are
completely worn out!
6
Had do I study for the MCAT?
1. Register as early as possible for the date that you want to take the test.
Take the test the same year that you will be applying to medical school. There are many times throughout the
year that testing is available. However, the time slots in June fill up incredibly fast, because most people want
them. They are perfect because they allow you to finish Spring semester and take a month to study. Register
here: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/registration.htm. The MCAT cost $210 to take in 2007.
2. Get some proven study aids.
One that our students have tried and recommend to us are the Examkrackers series. They are found at
www.examkrackers.com. It comes with a separate book for each of the four sections, as well as one entire
MCAT for practice. Buy the whole set, It is WORTH IT!!! alternatively, take a class offered through Princeton
Review (http://www.princetonreview.com/medical-school) or Kaplan (http://www.kaptest.com/mcat). Both
companies also have online components, as well as individualized tutoring. The cost and time committment
of these programs is fairly large, but if you are willing to commit time to them, any one of them can adequately
prepare you for medical school.
DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF THINKING THAT IF YOU ENROLL IN AN MCAT STUDY CLASS, YOU
WILL NOT HAVE TO STUDY OUTSIDE OF CLASS TO DO WELL ON THE MCAT!!
3. Take the online, free practice MCAT under EXACTLY the same conditions that you would
take the normal MCAT.
It is available at www.e-mcat.com. This means going to the library with two sharpened pencils and two
pieces of scratch paper and locking yourself in a study room with no distractions. The practice MCAT will
keep the time for you. Take the test
in the sequential order it is given and
take the breaks provided. It is utterly
exhausting to sit for that long, but it will
give you a VERY REALISTIC feel for the
endurance it will take to complete the
actual test. After you are done taking the
practice MCAT, you will be given your
computerized score. If there is an area
that you need to work on, make special
note of the questions that you missed
and understand why you missed them.
4. Treat your studying like a fulltime job and focus on it daily as if
your medical career depends on it-because it does!
M.D. or D.O? What’s the difference?
In Missouri especially, there are an abundance of doctors with the initials “D.O.” behind their
names. What does that mean and what is the difference?
D. O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. Osteopathy was “invented” in Missouri by Dr. Andrew Taylor
Still in the middle 1800’s. Still was a practicing M.D. who lost three of his children to spinal meningitis. He
felt that contemporary medicine did not effectively treat disease and he took 10 years to study how the
body heals itself. He concluded that the musculoskeletal system has a great deal to do with overall health
of the body and perfected manual techniques to balance and adjust the spinal column. This practice and
school of thought developed into osteopathic medicine as we know it today. Many patients now choose
osteopaths as their primary care physicians, believing them to be more open to alternative techniques
such as nutrition therapy, massage, and preventive medicine.
Although discriminated against for many decades, osteopathic physicians now practice in every
medicinal specialty and their holistic approach has won enthusiastic support. Many techniques that
osteopathic medicine has practiced for decades are now being incorporated into M.D. programs. D.O.s
and M.D.s can take comparable boards to be licensed by the state they practice in and they compete for
the same residencies; however, they can have very different approaches to patient care. This difference
allows patients the choice of which style of diagnosis and care that they prefer.
Missouri Medical Schools
UMKC
KCUMB
The University of Missouri has a campus in Kansas
City, it allows college students who already have a
degree or have at least 24 hours of college credit
to apply for vacant slots. There are typically about
5-12 openings every January for students to
transfer in. Students must have completed many
core classes before applying. For more details
about the program, go to http://www.med.umkc.
edu. The school has a docent-centered learning
style and is affiliated with the hospitals of Truman
Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital and Children’s
Mercy Hospital, all of which are in Kansas City.
UMKC is a public medical school.
Formerly called the University of Health
Sciences, KCUMB (Kansas City University of
Medicine and Biosciences) is located in the
heart of Kansas City’s downtown. Employing
a “Genesis” curriculum, students are taught in
a focused, comprehensive approach, which is
divided into six-week increments. Boasting the
largest matriculating class of all medical schools,
KCUMB continues its urban service tradition by
reaching out to area schools and clinics. Visit
them on the web at www.kcumb.edu. KCUMB is
a private osteopathic medical institution.
St. Louis University
Washington University
St. Louis University, a private medical school
that follows the Jesuit tradition of service and
excellence, emphasizes a small student/teacher
ratio and strong academic credentials. Their
web address is http://medschool.slu.edu/index.
phtml. SLU is affiliated with St. Louis University
Hospital, Des Peres Hospital, Forest Park Hospital
and South Pointe Hospital.
Nationally ranked, the Washington University
School of Medicine is a private medical school
that places a great deal of emphasis on research.
and medical innovation. “Wash U” has the most
rigorous academic standards of all Missouri
medical schools. “Wash U” is affiliated with BarnesJewish Hospital (which is also nationally ranked for
its cancer center), Children’s Hospital of St. Louis
and the Central Institute for the Deaf. Their web
address is http://medschool.wustl.edu/.
University of Missouri
A.T. Still University
The University of Missouri’s main campus is in
Columbia, Missouri. This public university has
a nationally-ranked primary care program that
emphasizes problem-based learning. Mizzou’s
admissions requirements are more stringent
than UMKC, requiring two full semesters each
of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics
and general biology. MU is affiliated with all
hospitals in the University System, including the
Harry S. Truman VA Hospital, Ellis Fischel Cancer
Center, Rusk Rehabilitation Center, and Columbia
Regional Hospital. For more information, visit
them at http://som.missouri.edu/.
Formerly known as Kirksville College of
Osteopathic Medicine, this school is named
for the founder of osteopathic medicine, who
established the college a century ago. ATSU is
considered by some to be the premier osteopathic
teaching hospital, on the Kirksville campus
there are the Senior Living Campus, Northeast
Regional Medical Center, and the George Rea
Cancer Center. ATSU also has two osteopathic
medical school sister campuses in Arizona. Visit
their main website at http://www.atsu.edu/.
Area Medical Schools
Arkansas
Iowa
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Medicine
4301 W Markham Slot 601
Little Rock, AR, 72205
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
200 Medicine Administration Building
Iowa City, IA, 52242-1101
Illinois
Kansas
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin
University of Medicine & Science
3333 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL, 60064
University of Kansas School of Medicine
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, KS, 66160
Loyola University Chicago Stritch
School of Medicine
2160 South First Avenue
Maywood, IL, 60153
Northwestern University
The Feinberg School of Medicine
303 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60611-3008
Rush Medical College of Rush University
Medical Center
600 South Paulina Street, Suite 202
Chicago, IL, 60612
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
801 North Rutledge
P.O. Box 19620
Springfield, IL, 62794-9620
University of Chicago
Division of the Biological Sciences
The Pritzker School of Medicine
5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC1000
Chicago, IL, 60637-1470
University of Illinois College of Medicine
1853 West Polk Street
(M/C 784)
Chicago, IL, 60612
10
Kentucky
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
MN-150
Chandler Medical Center
Lexington, KY, 40536-0298
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Abell Administration Center
323 East Chestnut Street
Louisville, KY, 40202-3866
Nebraska
Creighton University School of Medicine
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE, 68178
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
986545 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE, 68198-6545
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Post Office Box 26901
940 Stanton Young Blvd., Rm 357
Oklahoma City, OK, 73190
What if I want to be a pharmacist?
One thing is sure: studying chemistry and understanding it is a very GOOD preparation for pharmacy
school! Pharmacists typically go to undergraduate school for at least two years, taking chemistry and biology
courses before applying to pharmacy school. A degree is usually not completed before entering but if your are
interested in pharmocology a four year degree is required. There has been a transition in pharmacy schools
to a “Pharm D” curriculum, which is a Doctor of Pharmacy. This is a four year professional degree.
Subjects that are taught during pharmacy school are pharmaceutical chemistry, which emphasizes
the application of chemical sciences to pharmacy. Pharmacognosy deals with the nature and sources of
“natural drugs”-those obtained from plants or animals. Pharmacology is concerned with understanding
the action of drugs in the body. Business management is important for graduates who plan to enter
community pharmacy and some institutional practices. Pharmacy practice is offered in a variety of courses
by colleges of pharmacy. Laboratory instruction explores various scientific phenomena, as well as studies
the clinical application of the principles of pharmaceutical sciences. Pharmacy practice is that area within
the pharmacy curriculum which deals with patient care, placing an emphasis on drug therapy. The clinical
component of the pharmacy curriculum emphasizes dealing with the patients and their concerns. (Source:
American Association of Pharmacists; http://www.aacp.org)
11
What’s up with the PCAT?
In 2008, the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) had 240 multiple choice questions and two
writing assignments. About four hours are allowed to complete the test. Multiple choice items are given in
direct question or fill-in-the-blank format; each item has four possible answers.
The PCAT is divided into seven different sections, in the following order: Writing (part I), Verbal
Ability, Biology, Chemistry, Writing (part II), Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Ability.
writing
verbal ability
What it tests:
Problem-solving skills &
the effective use of language
How much, how long:
30 minutes each time
Basic concepts of biology,
including general biology,
microbiology, human anatomy,
and human physiology
Non-scientific vocabulary
and usage
48 items/30 minutes
Composition:
3 Analogies
3 Sentence completions
Mathematical skills &
quantitative reasoning
How much, how long:
60%
40%
reading
comprehension
How much, how long:
48 items/40 minutes
3 Basic math skills
3 Algebra
3 Probability & statistics
3 Precalculus
22%
3 Calculus
What it tests:
What it tests:
How much, how long:
quantitative
ability
What it tests:
Composition:
biology
What it tests:
15%
20%
20%
22%
Understanding & evaluation of
science-related reading passages
How much, how long:
3 Comprehension
3 Analytical skills
3 Ability to evaluate 30%
Composition:
3 General biology 60%
3 Microbiology 20%
3 Anatomy and physiology 20%
chemistry
What it tests:
Basic principles of elementary
organic & inorganic chemistry
How much, how long:
48 items/50 minutes
Composition:
48 items/30 minutes
48 items/30 minutes
30%
40%
Composition:
3 General chemistry 60%
3 Organic chemistry 40%
Guess what? Some of the items in each multiple-choice section are experimental, meaning that they
are used to develop future versions of the exam and don’t contribute to the exam score. Sorry, but it’s
impossible to determine which ones--just remember that, if you’re in the middle of the test and you
feel like you’ve bombed it all!
In addition to the knowledge base, the most important
skill you can have on the PCAT is remaining cool under
pressure and managing your time well!!
12
Had do I study for the PCAT?
1. Register as early as possible for the date that you want to take the test.
Take the test the same year that you will be applying to pharmacy school. There are several times throughout
the year that testing is available. However, each program is different in its requirements as to when you
take the PCAT for admission. Register here:http://tpc-etesting.com/pcat/. In 2008, the PCAT cost $125 to
take.
2. Get some proven study aids.
One that our students have tried and recommend is the Examkrackers series. Even though it is technically
written for the MCAT, it is recommended for the PCAT as well. It is found at www.examkrackers.com. It comes
with a separate book for each different subject, as well as one entire MCAT for practice. Study the whole series.
It is just as relevant for the PCAT as the MCAT. “The Best Ever Guide to the PCAT” is found at http://www.momedia.com/pcat/. There is a free PCAT registered at http://www.testprepreview.com/pcat_practice.htm and
the Kaplan book is found at www.kaptest.com/pcat . There is also a review class, of which more information
can be found at http://www.pcatprepclass.com/
DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF THINKING THAT IF YOU ENROLL IN AN PCAT STUDY CLASS, YOU
WILL NOT HAVE TO STUDY OUTSIDE OF CLASS TO DO WELL ON THE PCAT!!
3. Take online practice PCATs under EXACTLY the same conditions that
you would take the normal PCAT.
They are available at http://tpc-etesting.com/pcatopt/. This means going to the
library with two sharpened pencils and two pieces of scratch paper and
locking yourself in a study room with no distractions.
The practice PCAT will keep the time for you. Take
the test in the sequential order it is given and
take the breaks provided. It is utterly exhausting
to sit for that long, but it will give you a VERY
REALISTIC feel for the endurance it will take to
complete the actual test. After you are done
taking the practice PCAT, you will be given your
computerized score. If there is an area that
you need to work on, make special note of the
questions that you missed and understand
why you missed them.
4. Treat your studying like a parttime job. Focus on it daily as if
your pharmacy career depends on
it, because pharmacy schools use
your scores as an indicator of future
success!
13
Area Pharmacy Schools
Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
College of Pharmacy
4301 West Markham - #522
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-686-5557
http://www.uams.edu/cop/default.asp
Illinois
Kentucky
University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy
725 Rose Street
Pharmacy Building
Lexington, KY 40536-0082
859-257-2736
http://www.mc.uky.edu/pharmacy/
University of Illinois at Chicago
College of Pharmacy (M/C 874)
833 South Wood Street
Suite 145
Chicago, IL 60612-7230
312-996-7240
www.uic.edu/pharmacy/
Missouri
Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630-971-6417
http://www.midwestern.edu/ccp/
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
4588 Parkview Place
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-367-8700
http://www.stlcop.edu/
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
School of Pharmacy
200 University Park Drive
Campus Box 2000
Edwardsville, IL 62026-2000
618-650-5150
http://www.siue.edu/
Nebraska
Iowa
University of Nebraska
College of Pharmacy
986000 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198
402-559-4333
http://www.unmc.edu/dept/pharmacy/
The University of Iowa
College of Pharmacy
115 South Grand Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-8794
http://www.pharmacy.uiowa.edu/
Oklahoma
Drake University
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-271-3018
http://www.drake.edu/cphs/
Kansas
University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
1251 Wescoe Hall Drive
Malott Hall #2056
Lawrence, KS 66045-7582
785-864-3591
http://www.pharm.ku.edu/
14
University of Missouri - Kansas City
School of Pharmacy
2464 Charlotte Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-235-1609
http://pharmacy.umkc.edu/
Creighton University
School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
402-280-2950
http://spahp2.creighton.edu/admission/pharmacy/
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
School of Pharmacy
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
(580) 774-3760
http://www.swosu.edu/PHARMACY/
University of Oklahoma
College of Pharmacy
1110 N. Stonewall-Room 133
PO Box 26901
Oklahoma City, OK 73190
(405) 271-6485
http://www.pharmacy.ouhsc.edu/
What if I want to be a dentist?
One of the most attractive health-care professions is dentistry and oral health. A strong background in
chemistry will be a distinct advantage, as the dental school curriculum usually includes classes in Biochemistry
and Pharmacology.
Dentists are able to be their own bosses and work their own hours as soon as they set up a practice.
This is one of the strongest attractions for individuals who want to help people with their general health.
The American Dental Association reports that a dentist’s average income is in the highest 5 percent
of U.S. family income, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And the good news is that the demand for
dental care is projected to grow. As baby boomers age, they will continue to need preventive services and
maintenance on existing dental work.
Generally, a degree in dentistry requires four academic years of study after an undergraduate
degree is completed. The first two years usually cover the basic sciences and the last two years emphasize
diagnosing oral disease, surgery, and clinical study. At the completion of the curriculum, students are
awarded either a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. While
there used to be a distinction between the two degrees, now the Board of Public Health says that the two
degrees are interchangeable and indistinguishable.
Dental medicine is also at the forefront of disease prevention and management, with recent findings
such as the correlation between gingivitis and heart disease. Dentists and medical doctors are pairing
together in research and publications to explore more ways to fight preventable disease in their patients.
Oddly enough, dentists may be the new wave of primary care physicians!!
15
First two years at UCM
Begin to complete general chemistry, biology, physics and organic chemistry requirements.
What most dental schools require:
• Three semesters of Chemistry, including inorganic (general chemistry I and II) and one year of organic
chemistry
• One year of General Biology with corresponding lab
• One year of English
• One semester of Calculus (Not every school requires this)
• One year of algebra-based Physics
• Other classes that are encouraged but not generally required are Biochemistry, Physiology and
Microbiology. Business classes are strongly suggested as dentists typically operate their own
practice and have need of sound business management skills.
Some suggestions for future success:
• Join a dental-related student organization to get exposure to the dental profession. As well
as Paramedico, UCM’s student health professional organization, a student pre-dental and dental
organization is the American Student Dental Organization at http://www.asdanet.org/.
• Attend UCM’s health-related career fairs. These are usually held once a semester in the Grand
Ballroom.
• Ask your dentist if you can volunteer with her or him for work experience.
Third year at UCM
• Complete prerequisite requirements by end of second semester
• Prepare and take the DAT (See next page)
• Apply for admission at least a year in advance
• Review dental school catalogs and/or Web sites
• Gather letters of evaluation from faculty and others
Senior year
• Take advantage of “mock” interview practice with the Career Center
• Complete forms for financial aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
• Get all of the required immunizations. They are free at the Johnson
16
County Health Center, located behind the hospital in Warrensburg.
What is the DAT like?
In 2008, the Dental Admission Test cost $190 to take and consisted of 280 multiplechoice questions in four categories: Survery of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability,
Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Survey of the Natural Sciences--100 questions
• General Chemistry (30)
• Organic Chemistry (30)
• Biology (40)
Perceptual Ability Test--90 questions
The Perceptual Ability Test is comprised of six subtests:
• Apertures
• Orthographic projections
• Angle discriminations
• Paper-folding items
• Cube-counting items
• Spatial form development items
Each subtest has 15 questions.
Reading Comprehension Test--50 questions
The Reading Comprehension Test consists of three reading passages.
Quantitative Reasoning Test--40 questions
The Quantitative Reasoning Test consists of 10 word problems and 30 computation
problems.
What can I get to help me study successfully?
For more information about the test, go to the American Dental Association’s website at
www.ada.org. There are sample tests located there, too. Kaplan (www.kaptest.com/dat)
makes a complete study guide, as do other companies. Type in “DAT study guide” for the
fastest results through Google. Don’t want to pay full-price? Go to www.half.com and search
for “DAT”. Or look at www.sdn.org, the Student Doctor Network. There are often dental
students selling their books at greatly reduced prices.
17
Area Dental Schools
Iowa
Missouri
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
100 Dental Science Bldg.
Iowa City, IA 52242
www.dentistry.uiowa.edu
University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Dentistry
650 East 25th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 235-2010
www.umkc.edu/dentistry
Illinois
Southern Illinois University School
of Dental Medicine
2800 College Avenue
Bldg 273/2300
Alton, IL 62002
Phone: (618) 474-7120
www.siue.edu/sdm/
Nebraska
University of Illinois at Chicago
College of Dentistry
801 South Paulina Street
Suite # 102
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 996-1040
www.dentistry.uic.edu
University of Nebraska Medical Center College
of Dentistry
40th & Holdrege Streets
Lincoln, NE 68583-0740
www.unmc.edu/dentistry
Kentucky
University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
800 Rose Street
D 136 UKMC
Lexington, KY 40536-0297
Phone: (859) 323-1884
www.mc.uky.edu/Dentistry
University of Louisville School of Dentistry
501 S. Preston Street
Louisville, KY 40292
Phone: (502) 852-5295
www.dental.louisville.edu/dental
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Creighton University School of Dentistry
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178-0240
www.cudental.creighton.edu
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
1201 N. Stonewall Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
www.dentistry.ouhsc.edu
What if I want to be a chiropractor?
The chiropractic philosophy that appeals to many people is that the body can heal itself with very
little intervention. Chiropractors practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes
spinal manipulation for treatment purposes. Chiropractors also recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative
exercises, as well as providing nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.
Chemistry is a big component of pre-chiropractic studies. Prerequisites are nearly the same as for
medical school, with the minimum requirements for all chiropractic colleges being one year of biology,
two years of chemistry, and one year of physics. However, like medical school, two semesters of biology
is not sufficient to ensure a good performance in the first two years of academic study in a chiropractic
program. It is recommended that there be at least four to five semesters of biology classes taken, along with
physiology and biochemistry. As with dentistry, business classes are also recommended to assist future
chiropractors in running their own businesses successfully.
Chiropractic school is four years long, with the first two years studying basic sciences, the third
year typically is devoted to clinical science and hands-on learning and the fourth year is clinical learning/
internship. Graduates are awarded a D.C. degree, which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic.
Typically there is NO entrance exam for chiropractic school, so the timeline for application consists of
obtaining letters of reference from professors and employers, and submitting them with your application a
year before entrance. Since there are only 16 accredited schools (see next page), be prepared to move!!
As a profession, chiropractic focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and nervous
system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to
treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. More and more
insurance plans allow for chiropractic care and chiropractors are proud of the cost efficacy of their care.
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Area chiropractor schools
Missouri
Iowa
Cleveland Chiropractic College – Kansas City
6401 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
Phone: 800-467-CCKC Fax: 816-501-0205
www.clevelandchiropractic.edu
Palmer College of Chiropractic,
Davenport Campus
1000 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52803
United States of America
Phone: 800-722-3648 Fax: 563-884-5414
http://www.palmer.edu/prospective2.
aspx?id=472
Logan College of Chiropractic
P. O. Box 1065 1851 Schoettler Road
Chesterfield, MO 63006-1065
Phone: 800-533-9210 Fax: 636-207-2425
http://www.logan.edu/
Illinois
National University of Health Sciences
200 E. Roosevelt Road
Lombard, IL 60148
United States of America
Phone: 630-629-2000
www.nuhs.edu
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please note:
There are currently only 16 accredited
chiropractic schools in the U.S., so there
aren’t many in the surrounding areas.
Typically there is currently NO entrance
exam for chiropractic school, like there is
for medical, dental and optometry school.
What do Physician’s Assistants (PAs) do?
Physician assistants are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician
supervision. As part of their responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses,
order and interpret tests, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions.
PA programs look for students who have a desire to study, work hard, and to be of service to their
community. Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have previous health care experience
and some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor’s degree and approximately four
years of health care experience. Commonly nurses, EMTs, and paramedics apply to PA programs. MOST
PA PROGRAMS REQUIRE 500 HOURS OF HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE BEFORE THEY WILL ADMIT TO
THEIR PROGRAM.
Physician assistants receive a broad education in medicine. Their education is ongoing after
graduation through continuing medical education requirements (CMEs) and continual interaction with
physicians and other health care providers.
THERE IS NO ENTRANCE EXAM FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT APPLICANTS. However, the curriculum
requirements are the same for persons going to medical school, with one year of Biology, one year of General
Chemistry, one year of Organic Chemistry and one year of Physics being the MINIMUM required coursework
an undergraduate degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology will satisify those requirements.
Once admitted to PA school, a student undergoes twenty-six months of intensive classroom and
clinical training. Most programs will award the student a Master’s degree, but some are still Bachelor’s
programs. Find out more information at www.aapa.org. 21
Area P. A. schools
ARKANSAS
Harding University
Physician Assistant Program
BOX 12231
Searcy, Arkansas 72149
501/279-5624
www.harding.edu/PAprogram/
ILLINOIS
John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
Malcolm X College
Physician Assistant Program
1900 West Van Buren Street
Suite #3241
Chicago, IL 60612
312/850-7255
www.malcolmx.ccc.edu/Web3/VicePresident/InstructionalServices/CareerPrograms/PhysicianAssistantProg/
Midwestern University
Physician Assistant Program
555 31st Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
800/458-6253
www.midwestern.edu/il-pa/
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences
3333 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064-3095
847/578-3312
www.rosalindfranklin.edu/dnn/chp/home/CHP/PA/
tabid/1457/Default.aspx
Southern Illinois University
Physician Assistant Program
Lindegren Hall, Room 129, MC 6516
Carbondale, IL 62901-6516
618/453-5527
www.mccoy.lib.siu.edu/~paprogram/
IOWA
Des Moines University
Physician Assistant Program
3200 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
515/271-7854 or 800/240-2767 x7854
www.dmu.edu/chs/pa/
University of Iowa
Physician Assistant Program
Carver College of Medicine
5167 Westlawn
Iowa City, IA 52242-1100
319/335-8922
www.paprogram.medicine.uiowa.edu
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KANSAS
Wichita State University
Physician Assistant Program
College of Health Professions
1845 N. Fairmont, Box 43
Wichita, KS 67260-0043
316/978-3011
http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=chp_pa
KENTUCKY
University of Kentucky
Physician Assistant Program
College of Health Sciences
900 S. Limestone Street, Suite 205
Lexington, KY 40536-0200
859/323-1100
MISSOURI
Missouri State University
Dept. of Physician Assistant Studies
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65997
417/836-6151
http://www.mc.uky.edu/PA/
Saint Louis University
Doisy College of Health Sciences
Physician Assistant Program
3437 Caroline Street
St. Louis, MO 63104-1111
314/977-8521
http://www.slu.edu/x2348.xml
NEBRASKA
Union College
Physician Assistant Program
3800 South 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
402/486-2527 (Program)
800/228-4600 (Admissions)
http://www2.muc.edu/Newsroom/February08/physician_assistant_master_program_first_since_1912.aspx
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Physician Assistant Program
984300 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-4300
402/559-9495
www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/pa
Becoming an optometrist
A Doctor of Optometry is a primary health care professional for the eye. Optometrists examine,
diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire visual system. Doctors of Optometry prescribe
medications, assist with low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, spectacle lenses (glasses), contact lenses,
and perform certain surgical procedures. The extent of therapies that optometrists can perform changes
from year to year and state to state.
Optometrists diagnose, manage, and refer systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and
others that are often first detected in the eye; provide pre- and post- surgical care for cataracts, refractive
laser treatment, retinal problems. Optometrist often help with diagnosing learning disorders, such as
dyslexia.
In order to get in to optometry school, a degree in Chemistry is a great start. As is to be expected,
great emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of optics, refraction and the physical properties of light. The O.D.
degree is an additional four year program of study after an undergraduate degree. Usually, the first two and
a half years are “didactic” or classroom/lecture settings. The rest of the program is clinical externships, where
the student is extensively trained while working on actual patients. To find out more information, go to www.
opted.org.
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All About the OAT
What is the OAT?
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized examination designed to measure general academic
ability and comprehension of scientific information. All schools and colleges of optometry in the United
States require the OAT. It is the first step toward licensure.
What subjects does the OAT cover?
The OAT consists of four tests: Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic
Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics and Quantitative Reasoning. Read: Intensive math preparation
required! Optometry is all about geometry and optics! However, you do not need to have Calculus.
When should I take the OAT?
After finishing the prerequisites for optometry school and the year before you graduate. Any additional
classes, like Biochemistry and Zoology are not required but strongly recommended.
When is the OAT examination administered?
The OAT exam is computerized and examinees are allowed to take the OAT an unlimited number of times
but must wait at least 90 days between testing dates. However, only scores from the four most recent
attempts and the total number of attempts will be reported.
RECOMMENDED: DON’T TAKE THE OAT UNPREPARED.
OPTOMETRY SCHOOLS LOOK CRITICALLY
AT ALL YOUR TEST SCORES. YOU ONLY WANT TO TAKE THIS TEST ONCE.
How long will it take to know my score?
It is computed as soon as you finish your test. You will know before you leave the room.
Where can I find good study aids?
Kaplan has a program at www.kaptest.com/oat. A recent UCM graduate who entered optometry school
recently recommended the Kaplan series as a good way to review the math sections. The best way that he
found to review the rest of the science sections was the MCAT study guide, which can be ordered at their
website: www.examkrackers.com. You can skip the writing section, though. There’s none of that on the OAT.
In order to be completely prepared, there are full-length practice tests available from Scholarware at http://
www.scholarware.com/products-oat.htm.
RECOMMENDED: DO NOT USE THESE PRACTICE TESTS UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF
YOUR STUDYING. THEN TAKE THEM UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS AS YOU WOULD THE REAL
TEST--LOCK YOURSELF IN A QUIET ROOM AT THE LIBRARY AND SIT FOR THE FULL FOUR HOURS.
IT IS EXHAUSTING BUT IT IS THE BEST AND ONLY PREPARATION.
What is the cost of the OAT?
In 2008, the OAT cost $130 to take.
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Area Optometry Schools
Illinois College of Optometry
University of Missouri- St. Louis
Office of Admissions
3241 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Phone: (312) 949-7400
Toll Free: (800) 397-2424
http://www.ico.edu
College of Optometry
Office of Admissions
One University Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63121
Phone: (314) 516-6263
Toll free: (888) EYE-UMSL
http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/optometry
Northeastern State University
College of Optometry
1001 North Grand Avenue
Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464
Phone: (918) 456-5511 ext. 4036
http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~optometry
17
There are only
optometry
schools in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Consider the possibility that you may
have to move if you decide to pursue
this career option!
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How do I pay for all this?
The cost of a post-graduate medical degree varies from program to program, and differs
considerably if the school is public or private. With medical school, most students can expect to
be in about $200,000 debt if they borrow the maximum loan amount available. Medical school is
more expensive than dental or chiropractic or optometry school. Since most students borrow the
money that they need for school, it is important to understand the loan process.
Subsidized Loans
Subsidized loans are those that have no interest cost to the borrower during school,
grace, and any deferment period(s) for which the borrower may qualify. These are the
best loans to get!! The most familiar subsidized loan for medical students is the Federal
Subsidized Stafford Loan, which most students are familiar with from undergraduate
school.
List of subsidized loans available:
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
(loan funds borrowed directly from the federal government through Direct Lending)
Federal Perkins Loan
Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL)
Primary Care Loan (PCL)
Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS)
Some institutional loans
Unsubsidized Loans
Unlike subsidized loans, borrowers are responsible for all interest that accrues on
unsubsidized loans, and interest begins to accrue immediately upon disbursement. Accrued and
unpaid interest on unsubsidized loans is eventually capitalized (added back to the principal,
which increases the total balance on the loan).
List of unsubsidized loans available:
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Private loan programs
Some institutional loans
The maxim that most medical schools will tell you is this: “If you live like a doctor when
you are a student, then you will live like a student when you are a doctor.” Borrow as LITTLE as
you can when you are in school. Just like any debt, if you pay it off in 10 years, you will pay off
a great deal less than if you pay it off in 20 years. Interest rates vary from year to year, so make
sure you realize what you are actually locked in to.
for more info, go to www.fafsa.com
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Interviewing tips
Some of the best interviewing advice comes from this website: http://www.ivyleagueadmission.
com/ Even if you aren’t seeking entry to an ivy-league school, the tips and advice are excellent.
As part of the admission process, applicants who are seriously being considered for admission are
invited to the school for an interview. The interview provides a chance for the admissions committee to
assess factors they cannot see from your GPA and professional exam scores. The interview is used to gauge
your interpersonal and communication skills and how you would conduct yourself with patients.
In order to prepare for interviews, you should review your personal statement and all of the experiences
outlined on your application . You should be prepared to discuss your interests and experiences in detail
with your interviewers. It is also helpful to put yourself in the position of a member of the admissions
committee, and honestly ask yourself what potential areas of weakness might cause a committee member
to have doubts or reservations about you as an applicant. Then try to think of ways that you could counteract
these concerns, in order to put your best qualities forward.
You should practice responding to interview questions. Sample medical school questions are best
found in student forums. Often interviews begin with a very open-ended question, such as “Tell me about
yourself,” or “Why do you want to become a physician?” Answer honestly, truthfully and above all, be
yourself!
You should also prepare to ask your own questions about the school, it’s board pass rate and its
curriculum during your interview. Coming prepared with thoughtful questions will help you connect with
your interviewers and will make it seem like a free-flowing conversation that puts both sides at ease.
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What if I’m older and already have a
career but I want to change to medicine?
The statistics don’t lie: the days are over
when most of us have one career all our lives.
More and more people are pursuing their dream
of medical school, even in their thirties, forties,
fifties and sixties. Someone asked, “How old
will you be when you finish medical school?”
The student answered, “As old as I would be if I
didn’t.”
Medical schools are giving consideration
to many people who have had success in a
previous career, realizing that good physicians
have a well-rounded approach to patient care
and life experience definitely helps. So, if you’ve
taken time off to raise a family, pursue a master’s
in an unrelated subject or if you have travelled the
world, don’t even think that any of those things
are negatives.
Osteopathic and many medical schools
are often very accepting of older students when
considering them as applicants. The challenges
faced by non-traditional premed students are often
outweighed by the benefits of work experience,
people skills and self-confidence.
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Three online blogs and forums that can help
you along any stage of the game are : the Student
Doctor Network at www.sdn.org, Old Premeds
at www.oldpremeds.com and for moms or those
thinking of becoming moms and doctors, visit
www.mommd.org. Go to the “nontraditional”
thread on the first forum and read all the forums
on “Oldpremeds” and “MomMD”. These people
have been where you are and can help guide you
through every step of the way.
Many patients will tell you that they are more
comfortable with an older physician than someone
who is younger. Use this to your advantage!!
Remember, with more and more people
choosing to pursue medical careers at a later age,
you will probably be surrounded with people just
like you that decided to do the same thing!
At UCM many students have returned to
school after an extended break and have managed
to gain entrance to pre-professional and medical
schools.
Sources
American Association of Medical Colleges>http://services.aamc.org
American Association of Chiropractic Physicians>http://www.aacp.org
American Dental Association>http://www.ada.org
American Association of Physician Assistants> http://www.aapa.org
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry>http://www.opted.org
American Osteopathic Association>http://www.osteopathic.org/
American Chiropractic Association>http://www.amerchiro.org/
Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry>http://www.opted.org>
Examkrackers Study Guide>http://www.examkrackers.com
Ivy League Admissions>http://www.ivyleagueadmission.com/medinterview.html>
Student Doctor’s Network>http://www.sdn.org
Medical College Admissions Test>http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/
Old Premeds>http://www.oldpremeds.org
Student Doctor’s Network>http://www.sdn.org
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